Scientific symposium on cognition in depression« The hidden face of depression »

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We have the pleasure of inviting you to the National Symposium "The hidden face of depression", which will take place in La Hulpe on 30 May 2015.

During this symposium, we will investigate the impact of cognition in depression. Biases in cognitive processes such as attention and memory may not only be correlated with depressive episodes ; they may also play a critical role in increasing individuals’ vulnerability for the first episode and recurrence of depression.

Important issues need to be addressed concerning cognition in depression. How to recognize a patient with cognitive dysfunction ? What kind of practical simple cognitive tests can the psychiatrist or general practitioner use in everyday practice ? Is it useful ? Why ?

What do we know about the impact of the different treatments for depression on cognition ? We have to investigate the effects of drugs like antidepressants on cognition. But also, do we have data in psychotherapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy) on cognition, or data of brain stimulation techniques ?

Another important topic concerns the differential diagnosis of cognitive impairments in depression. A good clinician knows that it is sometimes very difficult to make the difference between a depression with cognitive impairments and a beginning of dementia with depressed symptoms… In the same way, we know that many patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson disease presented depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment a few months or years before the occurrence of motor symptoms. What are useful tools or recommendations in these neuropsychiatric situations ?

During this symposium, we will have the opportunity to discuss very practical clinical cases with the audience. No doubt that the daily concerns of the clinicians will be approached and discussed during this symposium where a wide place for interactivity will be reserved.